It’s been six years since Sandhurst Town last made the First Round of the FA Vase, and 16 since they reached the Second Round.
Saturday’s visit of Hellenic League Division One Carterton will feel like an opportunity for the high-flying Wessex League side who have begun their season in good form under new boss Carl Barrie.
The Fizzers are third in the Step 6 Wessex League Division One and are very much ‘in the thick of things’ in the early stages of the season.
With 19 goals scored in the league, they are the second highest scorers behind leaders New Milton Town.
Relentless going forward, as Wandering Tractor described in his most recent men’s match report: “Still the waves of home attacks kept coming and, in the 79th minute, the home side took the lead for the first time in the match.”
Sandhurst beat Hamworthy United 3-2 on the day with our man summing up: “A good come from behind win from the home side in this game, they never gave up, kept plugging away and finally reaped the rewards. They were helped by Hamworthy’s inability to get anything going in the second half, too often giving the ball away in midfield which allowed Sandhurst to constantly put them under pressure.”
Hellenic League Division One Carterton will go into the Vase game as underdogs certainly despite the sides effectively being the same level.
Previous Vase winners Thatcham Town have an away day at Western League Longwell Green Sports off the back of a three-game unbeaten run including back-to-back wins over rivals Reading City in the league and County Cup.
The FA Vase Second Qualifying Round draw
Matches to be played on the weekend of Saturday 12 September 2026. Prize money: Winners – £725 Losing club – £225.
- Ardley United vs Wallingford & Crowmarsh
- Brimscombe & Thrupp vs Yateley United
- AFC Aldermaston vs Newent Town
- Bedfont vs Holyport
- Eversley & California vs Mangotsfield United
- Longwell Green Sports vs Thatcham Town
- Sandhurst Town vs Carterton
- Spartans Youth vs Abingdon United
- Wantage Town vs Shortwood United
Full details of FA Vase round dates and prize funds round by round is here.
